Kelly Plantation Golf Club in Destin, Florida

Kelly Plantation golf course, built just west of the Mid-Bay Bridge in Destin, on the site of an old turpentine plantation, is clearly among the best golf courses the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach has to offer, with its manicured conditioning, scenic surroundings and playable layout.

Everything about it says first-class, from the neatly-stacked range balls, the excellent practice facilities, fine clubhouse and restaurant, good service and - cue the trumpet - free salsa and chips!

There are also free, chilled apples for the more health conscious.

Even more impressive is the free view of Choctawatchee Bay from holes No. 3, 4 and 5, particularly No. 4. It's a little odd that such a huge body of water doesn't creep into view more often on Destin-area golf courses.

Kelly opened in 1998 from a design by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, and they came up with a layout well-matched for the resort set, not too hard, not too easy. The maintenance crew has kept up the good work; the conditioning is so intense, it's almost anal. Even the first cut is well-groomed.